THE PRINCESS THEATRE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 187, 27 October 1876, Page 12

THE PRINCESS THEATRE.

However flattering may be the appreciation accorded to his various representations, Mr. Dampier can hardly give a more efficient proof oi the high order of his talent than that evinced in his reading and personation of the difficult part of Grimaldi, taken by him in theplay that bears this name. The character represented is that of an old French actor fallen into poverty, but who retains in adversity his kindliness of nature, with the vivacity for which his race is distinguished, and the refinement of a hijfh-bred gentleman. The difficulty of the part consists in the extreme ease with which ifc^ might be completely distorted, or rather, perhaps, the skill required 1 to avoid exaggeration. Ample scope is afforded for flagrant rantimr and violent action; but Mr. Dampier never displays the slightest tendency to one or the other of these faults j his voice is well modulated, and his manner throughout perfectly natural, never more agitated than the expression of the feeling by which he is supposed to be actuated demands, and never leaning towards the grotesque shoulder-shrugging and extension of the hands, which are ordinarily associated with the popular English idea of a French--man. He hap, however, managed to catch the peculiar gesticulation that distinguishes the more refined members of the great Celtic nation, and, wonderful to say, without the least tinge of caricature. He exhibits the character portrayed as that of a man of deep and tender feeling, but who is still a thorough man of the world. This is especially noticeable in the scene wherein Grimaldi learns the flight of his adopted daughter, Violet, from the stao-e on which she was about to be crowned with a brilliant success. ° The old actor sinks under the blow, but yet accepts the inevitable with an admirable calmness, and one most difficult to express without displaying a want of f eeling and a stiffness incompatible with the heart-break implied. In the part referred to, Mr. Dampier was supported most efficiently by the other members of the corps dramatique, Mrs. Walter Hill, as Violet, acted with grace and spirit, and Miss Lily May sustained the role of Julia excellently. Messrs Hooper, Clinton, Saville, and Keogh also acquitted themselves capitally— -especially the latter, who, as Wopshot, gained loud applause.